Plans for a third instalment of the BBC’s ‘Life on Mars’ have been ditched.

Plans for a third instalment of the BBC’s ‘Life on Mars’ have been ditched

Plans for a third instalment of the BBC’s ‘Life on Mars’ have been ditched

The original show and its ‘Ashes to Ashes’ sequel were huge hits for the broadcaster when it first started in 2006, and creators Matthew Graham and Ashley Pharoah announced details of a follow up titled ‘Lazarus’ in 2020.

But Matthew tweeted about it not going ahead: “Some sad news folks. After many months of planning, we will now not be making ‘Lazarus’. I can’t go into details but the hurdles were financial not creative.

“Naturally all who were involved are sick as a jungle full of parrots. Not least myself and Ashley Pharoah.

“It was a cracking concept – pertinent to our times. It had a whole new round of things to say about the relationship between the public and the police.

“And it was bloody funny too. But that as they say is showbiz baby.

“Forgive us if we don’t take questions on the decision or on what happens next for Gene, Sam and the gang.

“But we wanted to let those who were interested know so that you could instead raise a pint of tan n bitter to the Guv.”

Ashley also told fans: “Really disappointing news but we gave it a proper crack. We’re still thinking of a way to either share the script with you or bring it out in another form. Until then... pub?”

It’s understood ‘Lazarus’ would have seen characters from both previous shows come together.

‘Life on Mars’ followed Manchester police officer Sam Tyler, played by John Simm, after he was transported from 2006 to the 1970s, while ‘Ashes to Ashes’ featured his superior Gene Hunt, portrayed by Philip Glenister, in a 1980s setting.

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